New Wales captain Aaron Ramsey shoulders the blame for defeat against England

Dejected Aaron Ramsey accepted some of the blame for Wales’ miserable performance against England as his captaincy debut turned sour.

The Arsenal star admitted he was disappointed with his own display and that he had been outplayed by Premier League rival Scott Parker of West Ham.

Downer: Aaron Ramsey was unable to lift Wales

Ramsey, 20, looked lost for ideas to lift his own game or motivate his side against England. The midfielder said: ‘I didn’t have a good game. I was disappointed I wasn’t better.

‘I was so excited and proud to captain Wales on to the pitch but it just didn’t go to plan. It started poorly and we never really recovered. I don’t know whether the pitch was a bit sticky, but I just couldn’t get my first touch going.

'It was difficult to control the ball or lay it off, but I am not using that as an excuse. We didn’t do the right things in the first 15 minutes and it cost us.

‘Mind you, I was up against a very good player in Scott Parker. He was all around me most of the time — he doesn’t give you time on the ball.’

He added: ‘The fans were outstanding. They made such a noise and created a great atmosphere. It was a pity we couldn’t give them something to shout about.’

It was Wales’ fourth successive loss in Group G and they await their first point in a campaign which has crumbled.